The Taylor-Wright Farm Company,

Brodnax VA

Address: 1414 Meherrin River Rd., Brodnax VA 23920 / (434) 262-2803

Farm Type:
Farmer

About Us / The Taylor-Wright Farm Company History:

Allen and Ann Wright raise Animal Welfare Approved pigs, laying hens, and meat goats in southern Virginia. Allen and Ann were both raised with an appreciation and respect for farming; Allen worked on his uncle’s farm raising cattle and pigs, while Ann grew up working on her family's farm. Today, their children are the sixth generation to live on the 180 acres of land that has been in Ann’s family since the 1870's.\nOver the years, the farm fell into disuse as family members began making their livings off the farm. When Allen and Ann were married in 2009, they set their sights on revitalizing the farm and its pasture, fresh water springs and woodland. \nCareful research and consideration went into the selection of registered Berkshire pigs. Berkshires are one of the oldest established breeds of pig. They are noted for the unique marbling of the entire carcass, which results in the sweet, tender and unmatched flavor of Berkshire pork. Berkshire sows are excellent mothers and respond best to a pasture-based farming system. Allowing these pigs to grow slowly and naturally equates to an unsurpassed pork quality.\n“The overall well-being and happiness of the animal is paramount,” says Ann. “The hogs have pasture to root about, forest to search for acorns, and cool mud holes to wallow in until their hearts’ content. They also enjoy an occasional belly rub. Managing them outdoors this way allows us to raise truly happy pigs.” To ensure they have a healthy diet, the Wright’s pigs are also fed a specialist feed, with no added animal by-products or unnatural additives. \nAnn and Allen recently added Kiko and Savannah meat goats to their farm, which Ann says are playful, curious, and a welcome addition to the farm family. The Wrights’ flock of Plymouth Barred Rock laying hens are free to roam and forage outside, which shows in the quality of their eggs. Ann explains, “With a coop door that never closes, they have full run of the entire farm. Their beautiful, brown eggs with its rich, orange yolk are a customer favorite.”\n“We take great pride in the way our animals are raised,” says Allen, when asked about their decision to become AWA-certified. “We hold our farm to the highest personal standards and were elated to find an organization that represents such a high standard as well. In the world of farming, the push is for ‘faster and bigger.’ To raise an animal outdoors to high welfare standards takes time, money, and most importantly dedication from the farmer. We are ecstatic to have resource such as AWA to help guide us to do right by these animals.”\nAnn feels pasture-based management is better for the animals because, simply, it's “common sense” farming. “We all know we should eat more vegetables and less fat,” she continues. “The same is true of the animals we eat. If their diet consists of more “greens” and less fats, they will be healthier. This in turn leads to a healthier product.” \nGoing forward, Allen and Ann plan to diversify their operation by adding more AWA species and products. AWA products from The Taylor-Wright Farm Company are available directly from the farm store by appointment, and at select area restaurants and farmers’ markets. To keep up-to-date on the Wrights’ latest ventures, visit the farm’s Facebook page or their website, www.TheTaylorWrightFarmCompany.com.